is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands. In people with sarcoidosis, abnormal masses or nodules (called granulomas) consisting of inflamed tissues form in certain organs of the body.
Most patients initially complain of a
• Persistent dry cough,
• fatigue
• Shortness of breath.
Other symptoms:
• Tender reddish bumps or patches on the skin.
• Red and teary eyes or blurred vision.
• Swollen and painful joints.
• Enlarged and tender lymph glands in the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Enlarged lymph glands in the chest and around the lungs.
• Hoarse voice.
• Pain in the hands, feet, or other bony areas due to the formation of cysts (an abnormal sac-like growth) in bones.
• Kidney stone formation.
• Enlarged liver.
• Development of abnormal or missed heart beats (arrhythmias), inflammation of the covering of the heart (pericarditis), or heart failure.
• Nervous system effects, including hearing loss, meningitis, seizures, or psychiatric disorders (for example, dementia, depression, psychosis).
• Chest X-rays to look for cloudiness (pulmonary infiltrates) or swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
• CT scan to provide an even more detailed look at the lungs and lymph nodes than provided by a chest X-ray.
• Pulmonary function (breathing) tests to measure how well the lungs are working.
• Bronchoscopy to inspect the bronchial tubes and to extract a biopsy(a small tissue sample) to look for granulomas and to obtain material to rule out infection. Bronchoscopy involves passing a small tube (bronchoscope) down the trachea (windpipe) and into the bronchial tubes (airways) of the lungs.
Include:
• Corticosteroids - to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressants - to decrease the immune system response
The length of any therapy will vary. Some people take medication for one or two years. Others will be on medication for much longer.
Consult General physician/ Pulmonologist at Aadil Hospital for medical treatment.
